Following the discovery of two firearms and a quantity of ammunition by people taking part in a community litter pick in Ballinamallard last Saturday afternoon, the PSNI stated yesterday (Thursday, March 29) that the investigation is “ongoing” and it “remains too early to speculate at this time” where the guns came from.

The items were located in a hedge in the vicinity of Baragh Gardens by a member of the public.

Police have seized the two firearms and quantity of ammunition and all items will now be subject to forensic examination.

Councillor Diana Armstrong, UUP, who was part of the community litter pick in the village organised by Ballinamallard Methodist Church last Saturday, reacted with shock and anger at the discovery of the arms and ammunition.

“Organisers advised volunteers to avoid and report anything untoward on the litter pick, but no one expected to find a cache of arms within the village boundary,” said Councillor Armstrong.

“It is totally reckless and dangerous for these munitions to be discarded at a roadside within a residential area – indeed, they have no place in our society.

“If a young person or child had found these items, the consequences could have been very serious.

“Local residents are very shocked by this find and I would ask anyone with any information to contact the PSNI by calling 101.

“Thanks go to the local PSNI who attended swiftly and the matter is now in their hands.”

Detectives investigating the discovery are keen to hear from anyone with information that could assist the investigation, and are asking them to call 101, quoting reference 1016 25/03/23.

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

While there is no link at this time to dissident terrorism activity, the find comes in the same week as MI5 increased the Northern Ireland-related terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe”.

Addressing the increase of the threat level, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is ‘likely’ to an attack is ‘highly likely’.

“This is part of an ongoing process of monitoring the threat level in Northern Ireland, which is conducted by MI5.

“We have spoken publicly about the number of attacks that have taken place in recent months, not least the attempted murder of DCI John Caldwell on February 22.

“We will relentlessly pursue those who seek to cause harm and terrorise our communities, and attack my officers and staff, and I pay tribute to them as they continue to deliver for our communities.”

Thanking the community and political leaders of Northern Ireland for their “overwhelming support” for the police service in recent times, the Chief Constable continued: “We will not be deterred from delivering a visible, accessible and responsive community-focused policing service to keep people safe.”

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